Your Body
What to expect
You are starting to feel uncomfortable because of simple things that you may not be able to do easily, like bending. You are also likely to get back aches and feel clumsy with movements. That is because your uterus is growing rapidly. It is the size of a football! You are likely to be puffy and swollen in your face, hands and feet and your fingers may feel numb and tingly.
Your hair looks thick and lustrous – enjoy!
Baby size
What to expect
Your baby is the size of a small Eggplant or Aubergine (roughly 32 cms and 640 gms).
Your Baby
What to expect
Baby is getting hiccups and sticking out his/her tongue! The brain, lungs and digestive system are quite developed. The first bowel movement has taken place. Kidneys are functioning and baby can pass urine!
Taking care
Tips
- Sit up straight when you eat, eat small and healthy meals, cut back on tea or coffee to prevent indigestion problems – heart burn, nausea, distension.
- If your vision seems blurred try not to worry too much – it will pass off after delivery.
- Carry on doing pelvic floor exercises, have lots of water and food rich in fibre to help with constipation.
- Maintain oral hygiene – brush your teeth at least twice a day. Periodontitis, a serious infection of gums has been linked to premature birth and increased risk of pregnancy related serious illnesses.
- Use moisturiser or calamine lotion if your skin feels itchy.
Ask your doctor
Questions
- My face, hands and feet feel puffy and swollen. I also get splitting headaches. Can this be due to high blood pressure in pregnancy?
- I get this tingling sensation and constant urge to move my legs. Could this be due to iron deficiency?
- My wrists hurt and I can barely move my fingers. Can acupuncture help?
- I often think that I don’t deserve to be happy! I think I have depression?
Your to do list
Action points
- Get weight checked and assessed.
- Have folic acid supplement and prenatal vitamins
- Book antenatal appointment.
- Ask how to prevent depression after birth.